Mayra’s Safe Second Home: A Journey of Care, Growth and Joy

 

Mayra’s Safe Second Home: A Journey of Care, Growth and Joy

Every morning, while most children are busy playing, little Mayra’s parents had a different question on their minds—“Who will look after our little girl while we are at work?”

At just 2.4 years old, Mayra was too young to understand the worries of her parents. Her mother, Asima Toppo, works as a domestic worker, while her father, Rajen Kerketta, earns a living by driving an auto. Their work keeps them away from home for long hours. Like many working families, they had to make a difficult choice every day—earning for the family while ensuring that Mayra was safe, well-fed and cared for.

That worry began to fade when Mayra joined the Ama Kalika Crèche in Rourkela, run by Niyatee Foundation with the support of OMBADC, Sundargarh.

For Mayra, the crèche soon became much more than a place to spend the day. It became her safe second home. She receives freshly prepared, nutritious meals, personal care and a clean and child-friendly space. Through songs, stories, games and simple learning activities, she gets opportunities to play, learn and grow with other children.

The change is also visible at home. Mayra is now a cheerful and active child who enjoys being around her caregivers and friends. More importantly, her parents can go to work with greater peace of mind, knowing that their daughter is safe and receiving proper care throughout the day.

For Asima and Rajen, the crèche has brought something they value deeply—the freedom to work without the constant fear of leaving their young daughter alone.

“The crèche has given our daughter a safe second home, proper food and loving care. We can now work with confidence, knowing Mayra is safe and her future is brighter”, says Asima Toppo, Mayra’s mother.  

Mayra’s story shows that meaningful change does not always begin with something big. Sometimes, it begins with a safe place, a caring hand, a healthy meal and the chance for a child to simply be a child.

 

 

A Dream Worth Pursuing: Niranjan’s Journey Towards a Government Job

For Niranjan Bhoi, a government job is more than a career. It represents independence, dignity and the hope of building a secure future for himself and his family. His journey towards this dream, however, has not been easy.

Niranjan comes from a family with limited resources. As a person with visual impairment, he faced several difficulties while preparing for government job examinations. Finding suitable study materials, getting coaching that understood his needs and knowing about the support available for persons with disabilities were some of the challenges he had to face.

A new opportunity came when Niranjan joined the Government Job Pre-Recruitment Coaching Programme for visually impaired youth, jointly implemented by Niyatee Foundation and the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, at the NCSCDA campus in Bhubaneswar.

The programme gave Niranjan regular coaching in General Awareness, Reasoning, Mathematics, English, Odia and Computer Basics. Audio-based study materials and screen-reader-supported digital resources made it easier for him to access lessons and continue his preparation.

But learning did not stop with textbooks and classroom sessions. Niranjan also learned how to use computers, type, send emails, fill out online forms and search for government job opportunities. He received guidance on preparing for interviews and mock interviews, as well as understanding scribe support, extra time in examinations and reservation benefits available to persons with disabilities.

For Niranjan, each new skill has added a little more confidence to his journey. He now has better access to learning, clearer information about opportunities and stronger preparation for the examinations ahead.

Niranjan’s story is a reminder that talent and determination can be found everywhere. What can make the difference is an opportunity, the right guidance and someone willing to walk alongside a person as they pursue their dream.

 

From Worry to Hope: How a Creche Changed Nirupama’s Story

 

From Worry to Hope: How a Creche Changed Nirupama’s Story

 

Every working mother knows the challenge of balancing work and family, but for Asha Tigga, the question was even more difficult: who would care for her infant daughter while she was away serving the community? Asha works as a Home Guard in the Police Department and, with no other family members available to look after her daughter during working hours, managing her professional responsibilities alongside childcare had become a constant challenge.

 

For Asha and her family, the Pradhanpalli-2 Creche became a source of hope and reassurance. Nirupama Kishan, born on 20 March 2025 to Asha Tigga and Basanta Kishan, is a resident of Pradhanpalli. For the past six months, Asha has regularly brought Nirupama to the creche before leaving for duty. Knowing that her daughter is safe, cared for and surrounded by a nurturing environment has given Asha the peace of mind she needs to carry out her responsibilities with confidence.

 

At the creche, Nirupama is receiving much more than care. Her days are filled with play-based learning, storytelling, rhymes, early learning activities and opportunities to interact with other children. She also receives nutritious food, affection and attentive care from the creche workers. With regular attendance, Nirupama has gradually become more active, cheerful and confident. Her daily experiences at the creche are helping her develop age-appropriate communication, social and cognitive skills while encouraging her natural curiosity and love for learning.

 

For Asha, the transformation is equally meaningful. The creche has eased the burden of childcare and enabled her to continue her employment without compromising her daughter’s early development. She can now focus on her duties knowing that Nirupama is in a safe and supportive environment where her needs are being understood and cared for.

 

The Pradhanpalli-2 Creche, operated by Niyatee Foundation with the support of OMBADC, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), Sundargarh, demonstrates how quality community-based childcare can create meaningful change in the lives of both children and their families. Nirupama’s story is a reminder that when a child receives the right care, nutrition, stimulation and affection during the early years, the benefits extend far beyond the child. A safe creche gives parents the confidence to work, families the strength to move forward, and children the opportunity to begin their lives with confidence, dignity and hope.

With Mother	Outside the Creche
Learning Activity	Nutrition Time

Crèche Initiatives: Nurturing Children, Empowering Women, Building Communities

 

Crèche Initiatives: Nurturing Children, Empowering Women, Building Communities

The early years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Yet, for many families in rural and tribal Odisha, access to safe childcare remains a significant challenge. Working mothers often struggle to balance livelihood responsibilities with childcare, while older siblings—especially girls—are forced to stay home to care for younger children, affecting their education and future opportunities. Recognising these challenges, Niyatee Foundation has been implementing community-based Crèche programmes that strengthen families by nurturing children and empowering women.

Supported by the District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) and OMBADC, the Foundation currently operates 562 community-based crèches across 10 blocks and three municipal corporation zones in the tribal districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh, including Rourkela Municipal Corporation. The programme provides integrated Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCD & ECCE) services for children aged 6 months to 3 years, ensuring they receive quality childcare, nutritious meals, regular health monitoring, growth tracking, and age-appropriate early learning in a safe and stimulating environment.

The impact extends well beyond childcare. The programme has created meaningful employment opportunities for more than 1,124 women, who serve as crèche workers, caregivers, supervisors, and community support staff. Through these roles, women gain stable livelihoods, financial independence, leadership skills, and greater participation in community development. Their contribution has transformed the crèches into trusted community institutions where care, learning, and social support come together.

Reliable childcare also enables working mothers to participate in agriculture, wage labour, and other income-generating activities without compromising the safety and well-being of their young children. At the same time, older siblings—particularly adolescent girls—are relieved of childcare responsibilities, allowing them to remain in school and continue their education. In this way, the programme addresses multiple social challenges simultaneously by promoting child development, women's economic empowerment, girls' education, and stronger family resilience.

Today, the Foundation's crèche initiatives are reaching more than 11,240 children, providing them with a healthy start in life and preparing them for successful transition to preschool education. Through play-based learning, nutrition, healthcare, and responsive caregiving, children develop the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills that are essential for lifelong learning and development.

Over the years, Niyatee Foundation's community-based approach has demonstrated that quality childcare is not merely a welfare service but a strategic investment in human development. By combining early childhood care with women's employment and community participation, the programme contributes to healthier children, empowered women, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

At Niyatee Foundation, we believe that investing in children and empowering women are among the most effective ways to build an equitable and prosperous society. With 562 crèches, over 1,124 women employed, and more than 11,240 children reached, the Foundation continues to create opportunities where every child receives a nurturing start, every woman is empowered to realise her potential, and every community moves towards a stronger and more inclusive future.

Strong Women. Happy Children. Stronger Tomorrow.

 

 

 🌟 Rajkishore Panda: Rising Beyond Challenges

Niyatee Foundation | SSEPD | NCSCDA, Bhubaneswar

When determination is stronger than circumstances, dreams find a way. At just 24, Rajkishore Panda from Bhandari Pokhori, Bhadrak, has turned adversity into achievement. Born into a modest farming family, with his father, Madhusudan Panda, as the sole earning member and a bank loan burdening the household, Rajkishore carried not only his own aspirations but also the responsibility of supporting his younger brother's dream of becoming an engineer.

After completing his Intermediate education in 2019 from Maa Tarini Higher Secondary School, Panikoili, Rajkishore knew that financial constraints could no longer be ignored. Despite being a person with disability, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

His turning point came when he enrolled in the Pre-Recruitment Training (PRT) Programme implemented by Niyatee Foundation with the support of the SSEPD Department at the NCSCDA campus, Bhubaneswar. During six months of intensive training, he developed competencies in government job preparation, life skills, soft skills, and basic computer applications. His discipline, perseverance, and eagerness to learn distinguished him throughout the programme.

Today, Rajkishore is employed as a Site Assistant Supervisor with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), earning a monthly in-hand salary of ₹13,060. His employment has strengthened his family's financial security, enabled them to work towards repaying their loan, and brought his brother's educational aspirations closer to reality.

Rajkishore's journey is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, guidance, and determination, barriers can become stepping stones. His success reflects the life-changing impact of inclusive skill development and continues to inspire many other youth with disabilities to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

As Surbhi Blossoms, Her Mother Finds Confidence, Creche Rourkela, Implement by Niyatee Foundation

 

As Surbhi Blossoms, Her Mother Finds Confidence

Every morning, Sarira Shau steps out to sell vegetables on the streets of Rourkela, carrying not only her basket of produce but also the responsibility of securing a better future for her daughter, Surbhi.

At just two-and-a-half years old, Surbhi found a second home at the Nayapalli-3 Crèche Centre in Rourkela run by Niyatee Foundation. Here, she receives nutritious meals, loving care, health support, and opportunities to learn, play, and grow.

The transformation has been remarkable. Once dependent on constant parental attention, Surbhi is now a confident, cheerful, and socially active child who eagerly participates in learning activities and enjoys spending time with her friends.

While Sarira sells vegetables, Sudama contributes to the family income through vending and daily wage work.

For Sarira and Sudama, the Crèche Centre has brought peace of mind, allowing them to work with confidence while knowing their daughter is safe and thriving.

Surbhi's story reminds us that when children receive care, nutrition, and early learning opportunities, they don't just grow—they flourish.

 

 

     

 

Sustainable Gastronomy Day: Celebrating Food that Nourishes People and the Planet

Every year on June 18, the world observes Sustainable Gastronomy Day to recognize the important role that food plays in promoting sustainable development. Gastronomy is more than the art of cooking and enjoying food; it encompasses the entire journey of food—from cultivation and harvesting to preparation and consumption. Sustainable gastronomy encourages food systems that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive.

Food is at the heart of human existence, culture, and community life. However, modern food systems face numerous challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, water scarcity, and food waste. Sustainable gastronomy offers a pathway to address these challenges by promoting local, seasonal, nutritious, and sustainably produced food. It encourages consumers to make informed choices that support farmers, protect natural resources, and preserve traditional food cultures.

One of the key principles of sustainable gastronomy is supporting local food systems. Purchasing locally grown produce reduces transportation-related emissions, strengthens local economies, and ensures fresher and healthier food. Traditional farming practices, indigenous crops, and local culinary knowledge often contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. In many parts of India, traditional grains such as millets are making a comeback due to their nutritional value, drought tolerance, and lower environmental footprint.

Reducing food waste is another important aspect of sustainable gastronomy. Globally, millions of tonnes of food are wasted each year while many people continue to face hunger and malnutrition. By planning meals wisely, storing food properly, and utilizing leftovers creatively, households and institutions can significantly reduce food waste. Such efforts not only save resources but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated from decomposing food waste.

Sustainable gastronomy also emphasizes healthy and balanced diets. Consuming diverse foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and locally available nutritious crops, helps improve health outcomes while reducing pressure on intensive agricultural systems. Food choices have a direct impact on both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

The celebration of Sustainable Gastronomy Day reminds us that every meal is an opportunity to make a positive difference. Farmers, consumers, chefs, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and civil society organizations all have a role to play in building sustainable food systems. By choosing responsibly produced food and supporting sustainable agriculture, individuals can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land.

Niyatee Foundation has been actively contributing to the promotion of sustainable food systems through its community-based development initiatives. The Foundation works closely with rural communities to encourage sustainable agriculture, nutritional security, natural resource conservation, and climate-resilient livelihood practices. By supporting local farmers, promoting indigenous crops, encouraging organic and eco-friendly farming methods, and creating awareness on nutrition and food diversity, Niyatee Foundation is helping communities strengthen their food systems while preserving ecological balance.

As we celebrate Sustainable Gastronomy Day, it is important to recognize that sustainable food choices are not merely individual actions but collective commitments toward a healthier and more resilient future. Protecting our food heritage, reducing waste, supporting local producers, and adopting environmentally responsible practices can create lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

The food we choose today shapes the world we leave for future generations. Let Sustainable Gastronomy Day inspire us to value food not only for its taste but also for its impact on health, livelihoods, culture, and the environment. Together, we can build a future where every meal contributes to sustainability, equity, and well-being for all.